South Australia’s Strategic Plan is comprised of 100 targets. These targets are specific and measurable and enable us to measure our progress towards achieving the Plan’s visions and goals.

Each target is reported on through this section of the website. Data is analysed and uploaded as it becomes available.

Target:

62. Climate change adaptation:

Develop regional climate change adaptation plans in all State Government regions by 2016

Key Measure

Explanatory Comments

The impacts of climate change on the economy, society and environment will vary across South Australia, and local responses will need to take account of this variability. This target requires climate change adaptation plans to be developed for each of the 12 South Australian Government regions by 2016. The development of locally relevant adaptation responses will take into account the knowledge of local communities and the differing circumstance and impacts within each region.

Prospering in a Changing Climate – A Climate Change Adaptation Framework for South Australia provides the foundation for South Australians to develop well-informed and timely actions to increase their preparedness for the impacts of climate change. Following an extensive consultation process, the Framework was released by the Minister on 22 August 2012.

The Climate Change Adaptation Framework for South Australia has received multiple state and national awards that recognise the innovative practices and achievements that are making communities safer, stronger, more resilient, and better prepared to manage climate impacts. South Australia has been recognised nationally and internationally as a leader in climate change adaptation.

The Adaptation Framework provides guidance for how climate change adaptation activity will occur in South Australia. The Framework articulates the roles and responsibilities of all parties and recognises that adaptation to climate change is a shared responsibility and involves a joint effort by all levels of government, business, communities and individuals. While governments can provide leadership and coordination, the Framework encourages action at an individual, regional and local level. Implementation of the Framework will empower all South Australians to be prepared for the impacts of climate change, allowing for policy responses that are least cost and have a high degree of community acceptance.

Under the Adaptation Framework, the State Government works collaboratively with Regional Development Australia and Natural Resources Management Boards, the Local Government Association of South Australia, and local councils in the development of regional adaptation action plans. These parties, along with the Commonwealth Government (through the Natural Disaster Resilience Program), contribute funding and resources to develop the regional adaptation plans. Regional adaptation planning processes are underpinned by sector agreements established under the Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act 2007.

A number of tasks need to be undertaken to complete climate change adaptation plans. The first task is to establish arrangements to coordinate activity across the region. The next stage is to review existing knowledge and undertake an integrated vulnerability assessment (IVA). These assessments provide a comprehensive evaluation of the risks, issues and opportunities that need to be considered in a climate change adaptation plan. The last step is to develop an adaptation plan for the region in consultation with regional organisations, government and community leaders.

All of the 12 State Government regions have committed to the adaptation planning process, which takes an average of two years to complete. Five Adaptation Plans have now been released, from the Yorke and Mid North, the Eyre Peninsula, Southern Adelaide, Barossa and the Murray Darling Basin regions.